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Est. 1938

Connecting Master Mariners Across Australia

The Company of Master Mariners was established in 1938 to represent generally the views of persons engaged as Master Mariners, to preserve and maintain ethical standards of the maritime industry and to consider and deal with all matters affecting the common interests of members of the company.

We aim to create and sustain a social organisation within which members, either alone or in association with others, can be afforded facilities, and occasion, to discuss matters of mutual interest connected with the Merchant Navy or any related aspect of maritime concern.

The association maintains an apolitical and non-industrial emphasis. Pertinent objectives are to encourage and develop the education, training and qualification of aspiring seafarers, promote the highest standards of professional conduct and practical proficiency in all Merchant Navy personnel and to make donations for patriotic or charitable purposes.

The Company of Master Mariners of Australia is a not-for-profit association that is limited by guarantee. We currently have four Branches across Australia, located in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Membership
About Us
A Rich History of Australian Master Mariners

Our Proud Heritage

The Company of Master Mariners was founded by Capt AN Boulton, MBE, VRD, BCom, ExC. He and a number of other Master Mariners considered there was a need in Australia to form a unified body of professional mariners somewhat similar to that of The Honourable Company of Master Mariners, London.

Thus, on 18 July 1938, the Company of Master Mariners was formed by an assembly of twenty-nine Master Mariners in Brisbane. The objects of the Company included the promotion of the efficiency of the Australian Maritime Service in all possible ways as well as the provision of a body capable of collective representation.

Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, the Governor of Queensland became the first Master of the Company in 1939. He was succeeded by Admiral Sir Hugh Binney, Governor of Tasmania, succeeded by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir William McKell, in about 1948. Since then, each successive Governor-General has been pleased to accept the office of Master of the Company.

Master Mariners of Australia

Objects of the Organisation

To preserve and enhance the dignity and prestige of the Master Mariner; to promote the efficiency of Australian maritime services generally and to promote the highest standards of professional conduct and practical proficiency in the Australian Merchant Navy.

Our Structure

The Company has four Branches based in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth individually and collectively engaged under the jurisdiction of a central body designated “Federal Court”.

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Membership

Membership to the Company of Master Mariners is open to all individuals connected with or who have an interest in maritime.

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Professionalism

Creating an environment to support members of the maritime industry and to create benefits for those interested in joining the industry.

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Community Connections

We firmly believe that the connections we make through professional relationships and social activities can build a stronger and more resilient maritime community. Our members are encouraged to create individually and collectively, effective connections with other organisations involved with or who have an interest in maritime affairs.

Maritime News

Our Maritime News section is sourced from various credible news agencies. We feature reports on pertinent Australian and International maritime and shipping matters. Stories From The Past provides articles on historic ships and other significant maritime events.

Australia / NZ News
International News
Stories From The Past
The Floating Answer to the Green Steel Challenge
Rushi Kanakiya recycles ships from a 50-meter beachside plot overlooking the sea in Alang, India. Since 1985 his family enterprise, Triveni Shipbreakers, has been receiving and dismantling old vessels here, in the world’s largest shipbreaking yard. Triven...
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AMSA - Media Statement. 2 June 2026
    The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) takes seafarers’ welfare seriously. All vessels operating in Australian waters must comply with applicable international maritime safety and labour standards.   AMSA regulates and enforces the Maritime...
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Norovirus Outbreak on Ruby Princess Sickens Over 100 — Third Princess Cruises Outbreak in 2026
Ruby Princess (Dietmar Rabich / WikimediaCommons) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a norovirus outbreak on the Ruby Princess during its June 12 to July 2 Alaska voyage originating in San Francisco, California. This is the thir...
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A Member of Maritime History

Become a Member

Membership to the Company of Master Mariners is open to all persons with an interest in maritime.

Types of Membership

We welcome diversity and encourage an inclusive culture, to help in the building of a more equitable and tolerant maritime industry. Our commitment to equity and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience drives us to create a positive impact on the growth of the maritime industry.

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